Carlton SWCD lands $400,000 to help pollinators

The Carlton Soil and Water Conservation District was recently awarded a $400,000 grant to be used for pollinator habitat enhancement.

The Habitat Enhancement Landscape Program (HELP) awarded funds this fall to convert 8.2 acres of county-owned and -managed turf grass into a network of diverse pollinator plantings. The restoration of native plants will provide critical pollinator habitat, increase the community's access to natural spaces, and improve the landscape's resilience.

HELP grants, administered through the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, provide cost-share funding and assistance for habitat enhancement projects in strategically located areas through an appropriation from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Grant-funded projects restore and enhance diverse native habitats in strategically located areas to benefit populations of pollinators and beneficial insects as well as overall plant and animal diversity.

Carlton SWCD and University of Minnesota Extension were assisting Carlton County in designing a pollinator-friendly landscape around the new Carlton Justice Center when the HELP Grant application opened. It was a no-brainer to capitalize on this positive conservation momentum, so the SWCD's district manager, Alyssa Bloss, promptly applied in partnership with Carlton County and UMN Extension.

The funds will be used to convert 8.2 acres of county-owned and -managed mowed turf grass at highly visible, heavily frequented sites to strategically located, diverse native plantings of grasses, flowers, sedges and shrubs. Bloss, a conservation specialist with over 14 years of experience in natural resource conservation who is highly renowned in native planting technical services, will lead a team to implement site preparation design, plant and seed mixes, and maintenance. Sites will be planted with a diverse mix of over 25 native species that bloom spring through fall to offer critical food sources, habitat, nesting, and resting for pollinators and beneficial insects.

Bees, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and other at-risk species that are critical in supporting our ecosystems and food systems are on the decline. Not only will these plantings support these populations, but they will also improve water quality in local lakes, streams, rivers, and groundwater.

Site locations were chosen strategically to maximize the benefit to pollinators and the accessibility to Carlton County residents and visitors. Sites are located along the Monarch Highway, a 2-mile-wide corridor following the path of I-35, stretching 1,585 miles from Minnesota to Texas. They also fall within the highest pollinator priority areas. Lastly, chosen sites are within 500 feet of an existing pollinator rain garden, pocket, meadow or bee lawn. The proximity of these pollinator plantings promotes the movement of pollinators throughout the region supporting critical ecosystems and food systems.

Community accessibility to these sites was a priority for both partners.

"Reducing stress and improving mental health and well-being is as important now as it has ever been, and these natural spaces present a great opportunity to reconnect with self, others, and nature in a way that helps improve well-being," said Carlton County coordinator Dennis Genereau. "I am also hopeful that people will value these spaces as beautiful and tranquil places to visit, and just connect with nature."

These locations range from rolling, glacial hills surrounding Chub Lake - with its boat access, a fishing pier, baseball fields, pavilions, and playgrounds - to the county courthouse, where frequenters are likely dealing with some of life's least favorable issues. These plantings would provide a space for all the public to stop to take a few breaths and enjoy the showstopping colors and the sounds of nature surrounding them. Benches, picnic tables, citizen science opportunities, and walking paths will be available at all sites to ensure their accessibility. Other sites include Carlton County buildings housing transportation and the land department, plus the county's government services building and the public health and human services building in Cloquet.

Genereau spoke about the county's motivations behind the project.

"Carlton County Board and staff believe that it is important for local government to be exceptional environmental stewards, and they aspire to do so across all lines of county work," he said.

These pollinator plantings show exceptional stewardship by providing habitat for the 500-plus bee species native to Minnesota and other wildlife that conventional monoculture turf lawns cannot provide. Genereau said he also hopes these public pollinator spaces can provide education opportunities for community organizations and inspire visitors to preserve and grow spaces like these at their homes, cabins and places of work.

Bloss said Carlton SWCD is excited to add this project to its robust and highly successful pollinator program. The largest native plant kit and seed mix sale in the state for the last four years has been hosted by the Carlton SWCD, resulting in over 200 acres of pollinator habitat being planted. There are also over 50 pollinator projects the SWCD implemented using Lawns to Legumes funding, providing cost share to landowners planting their own pollinator gardens.

The SWCD's expertise extends beyond native plantings as well, conserving a variety of resources across the landscape. Some of the district's programs include technical assistance, conservation project cost share, comprehensive watershed management planning, woodland stewardship planning, outreach and education, soil health and agricultural conservation practice assistance, and the administration of the Minnesota Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program.

"Carlton County very much appreciates the hard work and great effort that the SWCD staff have put forth to obtain this grant funding and improve pollinator habitat," Genereau said. "We look forward to continued collaboration with them to the benefit of both current and future generations whenever possible."